How to Dispose of Used Razor Blades

by
ANN JONES Sept. 11, 2017

Ann Jones

Ann Jones has been writing since 1998. Her short stories have been published in several anthologies. Her journalistic work can be found in major magazines and newspapers. She has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing.

Proper disposal of used razor blades is important, especially if you use double-edged blades or you have small children in the house. Throwing used blades in the trash can also be hazardous to pets and sanitation workers. Medical supply stores and some pharmacies sell clearly labeled sharps containers that you can take to a biohazard recycling facility when they are full, but you can also make your own inexpensive containers. Keep yourself and your family safe by taking a few minutes to prepare one.

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Step 1

Choose a tin can that contains only liquid, such as a broth can. You can also use a can with a removable lid and seal the lid with duct tape or glue it shut with strong glue or epoxy. Draw a line approximately 1/2 inch thick by 2 inches long on the top of the can.

Step 2

Cut out the line with tin snips or a craft knife and drain the broth from the can. Rinse out the can and leave it upside down in a dish drainer or on a towel to dry.

Step 3

Peel the label off the can and write "biohazard" on the outside with a permanent marker.

Step 4

Insert your used razor blades into the slot on top of the can. The website Airfield Models suggests wrapping the blades in masking tape to ensure extra safety.

Step 5

Dispose of filled cans according to sharps disposal laws in your area.

Things You'll Need

Tin can

Craft knife or tin snips

Permanent marker

Tips

Some old houses have a razor blade disposal slot inside the medicine cabinet. When you drop blades through this slot, they fall between the walls. If you live in an older house, check to see if your medicine cabinet has a slot. If it does, and you plan to remodel, be careful tearing out the wall adjacent to the cabinet.